Galgorm

You’ve de-stressed and detoxed in the lap of luxury. Now it’s time to reach your fitness goals, and Galgorm has just the thing to help you workout in style.
You can jog, lift and stretch to your heart’s content at Galgorm’s state-of-the-art fitness suite, on level 1 of the sumptuous Thermal Spa Village. Sweat with friends in group classes like spin, water aerobics and bootcamp. You can even try MetCon, a type of workout that will extend your overall level of fitness. Contact spa reception to book your spot.

But while the gym is well-stocked and the classes are fun, the emphasis here is on natural, holistic wellness. Reconnecting with nature feels easy thanks to activities like cycling, horse-riding and strolls around the lush grounds. Enjoy a game of tennis on the all-weather course, or perfect your swing at the championship golf course. There’s fun pitch and putt if you don’t want to play all 18 holes.

Feeling adventurous? Lace up your walking boots and take a hike - there are natural wonders on Galgorm’s doorstep just waiting to be explored, from ancient woodlands to rugged hills.

Spa days can be hard work - but refuelling is easy at Galgorm. This foodie haven is crammed with luxurious places to eat, drink and be merry. Here’s what to expect. 

Elements 

Perched discreetly within the Riverside Garden, Elements Spa Café offers a haven of relaxation beneath a timber halo dome structure - one of only five in the world. With gorgeous views of the River Maine, you’ll enjoy a light bite, a post-treatment panini and perhaps a handcrafted cocktail or two – all without leaving your robe.

Gillies Bar & Grill

A hit with locals and residents alike, you can sink into a cosy snug, admire the exposed brick and enjoy the rustic-chic decor. Savour classic brasserie dishes, sizzling steaks, or Asian-inspired creations. Freshness is key - Gillies uses the finest local Antrim produce in all its creations.Live music fills the bar each night, adding a touch of lively energy.

Fratelli 

Get a true taste of Italy, right here in Ballymena. Filled with rustic charm (think rough floorboards and baby blue distressed-wood walls) you’ll enjoy cicchetti (Italian tapas), along with wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and steaks. 

McKendry’s Lounge Bar

Settle in for the night at McKendry’s, the exclusive whiskey bar next to Gillies Grill,. With the warmth and craic of an eclectic Irish pub, there’s an extensive drinks list. But it would be a crime to leave without sampling one of the 300 whiskeys on offer.

Mulberry Garden

Here when the sun’s shining? Enjoy al fresco dining in the Mulberry Garden. This little patch of paradise between Fratelli and Gillies is heaven in the summer. But in winter it comes into its own with heated mosaic seats and an open fire. Scan the QR codes on tables to order drinks from McKendry’s at 12pm, and food from Fratelli from 5pm. 

The Castle Kitchen & Bar

Ignite your taste buds with an eclectic mix of modern dishes, smokey steaks and home-made dessert. Relaxed or rooftop? You decide. Enjoy the intimate yet informal setting, perfect for gatherings with friends. Or, raise the bar with al fresco dining on the roof terrace. Soak in stunning fairway and countryside views while sipping cocktails or indulging in a casual bite.

The Conservatory

Home to elegant afternoon teas, the magnificent glass Conservatory also houses the resort’s Cocktail Bar & Gin Library. Enjoy views of the River Maine with classic and bespoke cocktails, served with a dash of theatre.

Water baby? You’ll be in heaven here. There’s a 20-metre indoor leisure pool to take a dip in, and even the walk there is relaxing. It’s surrounded by a polished pebble floor to massage the pressure points in your feet - it’s well worth taking your flip flops off! 

Count your lengths, catch up with a pal or lie back on a poolside water bed. But the indoor pool is just the start of your hydro adventures at Galgorm. Put on your famous brown robe and pad in your slippers to different areas of the Thermal Village. You’ll find a different watery experience wherever you look, from an infinity hydrotherapy pool, to tranquil plunge pools designed for forest bathing. There’s also a unique snail shell-shaped experience shower!

There is, and it's super luxurious. The hotel has 125 rooms made up of Superior and Deluxe rooms and Suites. For a spacious retreat with self-catering options, there are luxurious Lodgings made up of Cottage Suites, Shepherd’s Huts or Log Cabins. Or choose from one of four huge, private Residences, perfect for glamorous group get-togethers.

Here on an overnight spa package to Galgorm? You’ll be staying in a Superior room. These plush, contemporary rooms feature twin or king-sized beds with King Koil mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep. You’ll wake up to garden views, or vistas of the rushing River Maine. And the even better news? There’s a complimentary minibar in every guest room?

For guests staying in a Superior room, check-in is at 3pm while check-out is at 11am on your day of departure. For day spa packages, arrival times vary so check your booking confirmation for full details.

Incredibly so. Accessible parking spaces are located close to the main hotel entrance, and bowler-hatted doormen are there to lend a hand with your bags. There are deaf guards for hearing-impaired guests, lifts to all floors, permanent ramps and the Thermal Village has an accessible changing suite and several accessible toilets.

The hotel even has its own, fully motorised, mobile pool lift. The top-of-the-range Panda hoist has a unique electronics system so that each guest can be transported directly from changing rooms to poolside, no wheelchair required. The hoist can be used throughout the Thermal Spa Village so everyone can enjoy the hot tubs.

The hotel has one fully accessible guest room, but a number of other rooms have a walk-in shower. If you’re less mobile, it’s worth remembering that Log Cabins and Cottage Suites are a five-minute walk from the main building. Shepherd's Huts and Forest Dens are a five to ten-minute walk.

Galgorm is set within 380 acres of parkland, in Ballymena, a town in County Antrim, Northern Island. Just 30 minutes from Belfast and 16 miles from Belfast Airport, it makes the perfect base to explore some stunning scenery, including the North Antrim Coast. The Giant’s Causeway is less than 30 miles away.

Striving to make mindful choices about your travel? You’ll be pleased to hear that Galgorm’s eco-credentials are second to none. It’s committed to working towards a sustainable future and has achieved a Green Tourism Gold award. Galgorm is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030.

While families are welcome in the accommodation at Galgorm, you have to be aged 16 years or over to use the spa facilities, have a treatment or visit the Thermal Spa Village. Children aged between 16 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Kids can splash in the swimming pool from 9am to 10am and 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Your mini VIPs will be well-fed and watered too, thanks to children’s afternoon teas and kids’ menus in most of Galgorm’s restaurants and bars, including Gillies Grill and Fratelli.

Superior Family rooms can accommodate two adults and one child, while Deluxe Two Bedroom rooms can fit a family of four. Or go self-catered at one of the many lodges - choose from two to three-bedroom Cottage Suites, two- bedroom Shepherd's Huts, six and eight-berth Log Cabins or huge Residences that sleep up to 12 people.

If it wouldn’t be a holiday without your furry friend in tow, you’re in luck at Galgorm. Although only guide dogs can set a paw in the hotel itself, pampered pooches can stay for £15 per dog, per night in self-catering Cottage Suites, Shepherd's Huts, Forest Dens, Log Cabins or Residences. 

You’ll need to keep them on a lead and clean up after them. But good boys and girls can curl up next to you while you dine in either the Mulberry Garden or the Barn at Castle Kitchen + Bar.

Yes there is. Golf fanatics will love the par-72 Championship Castle Course. The renowned Ballymena venue has played host to many international tournaments including the Irish Open. Watch out for hole nine - with a water hazard running in front of the green and framed by the boulder wall, it brings the drama!

If you just fancy a bit of fun, grab some clubs from the Pro Shop and try the six-hole par-three pitch & putt course. Found next to the real deal, it’s free if you’re a resident. There’s also a Toptracer driving range and a Himalayas putting green - a scaled replica of the famous St Andrews attraction that tests your putting skills over the mounds and hollows of a mountain range.